hey guys, got a highly modded 03 ss. i still have the factory strut tower brace. i want to install my new gen 2 zzp front tower brace. only problem is, it looks like the factory screws are in the way. the factory screws are currently holding the factory brace and they hold the brace down with nuts. do i cut the screws off? do they push out? is it worth putting on the zzp strut tower brace? thanks in advance

 

Been a while since I looked at the factory brace (mine did not come with a factory brace). I believe those posts sticking up are connected to a small plate (under the strut tower). When you remove both nuts, they either fall out or there is a small retainer you may need to remove. I know this much, NO cutting is required.

 

so i have to remove the wheels to get under the car and check for a plat on each side? or should tapping lightly with a hammer work? in your opinion, do you think the zzp gen 2 is an upgrade front the factory strut brace i have?

 

If you take the nuts off and smack it with a hammer they should come right out. Are you just replacing the front bar or are you also adding a rear one to the struts in the back ?

 

just the front. is the zzp gen2 brace better than the factory? just trying to see if its worth intstalling. i do have upgraded sway bars front and rear as well as bc coilovers. not touching the rear brace, my subs are in the way

 

I don't think you need to remove the wheel to get to the plate holding those studs. If you need to look under, you can probably jack the car up and let the wheels hang. It might be as simple as Jeff mentioned, give the studs a smack with a hammer. I removed a couple in the junk yards, but it has been years.

I have ZZP braces in the front and the rear on my Monte. But I don't believe mine are Gen 2. I had to oblong the holes on mine (some how the bolt pattern between the Grand Prix and Monte is just hairs different). In 04, the Monte SS did not come with a factory brace, so I have nothing to compare to. I added the ZZP braces because I felt for the money, it was my best bet and I felt the design looked superior to the factory. I believe it definitely helped in the back end.

 

so on your 04 you had to adjust the holes on the brace mount to fit? and in your opinion, do you think it would make a difference in the front? i might not even change it

 

Here's a few pictures of the bolts .

 

i bet i can tap them out with a hammer.

 

I believe there's a tin retaining washer that holds them from falling out. Good luck